Register Now

SUGARCANE Film Screening
Date: Wednesday, January 8
Refreshments: 5:00 - 6:00 pm, Guizzetti Family Collaboration Commons
Screening and Virtual Q&A: 6:00 - 8:30 pm, Lower Theatre

BSS parents, alumnae and Grade 11 and 12 students are invited to a screening of SUGARCANE, a stunning tribute to the resilience of Native people and their way of life. The debut feature documentary from Julian Brave NoiseCat and BSS alumna Emily KASSIE ’10 (winner of the 2024 Sundance Festival Directing Award: U.S. Documentary) is an epic cinematic portrayal of a community during a moment of international reckoning.
 
In 2021, evidence of unmarked graves was discovered on the grounds of an Indian residential school run by the Catholic Church in Canada. After years of silence, the forced separation, assimilation and abuse many children experienced at these segregated boarding schools was brought to light, sparking a national outcry against a system designed to destroy Indigenous communities. Set amidst a groundbreaking investigation, SUGARCANE illuminates the beauty of a community breaking cycles of intergenerational trauma and finding the strength to persevere.

After the screening, the filmmakers will join us for a live virtual Q&A. 

Content Advisory

This film contains challenging subject matter, including discussions of child abuse, racism, profanity, alcohol and drug use, trauma and violence. These topics are explored with care and respect, but we recognize they may be distressing or triggering for some viewers. This film is rated R (restricted to 18 years or older, not suitable for minors without parental consent).

Parental Consent Required

Given the mature themes of this film, we ask that parents provide informed consent for their child's participation. While students can attend on their own with parental consent, we encourage parents/guardians to attend with their children. We also encourage open and honest discussions at home about the themes the film presents. Families are invited to use the resources shared here to guide conversations and provide additional support.

To provide consent for your child, once you register, you will receive a notification in myBSS to submit a consent form.

If you have any questions, please reach out to communityengagement@bss.on.ca.

Resources for Support

Indian residential school history and its impact are not in the past. To access resources for educators and those unfamiliar with this history, click here.

If you need support, the following resources are available:

The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line provides 24-hour crisis support to former Indian Residential School students and their families toll-free at 1-866-925-4419.

First Nations, Inuit and Métis seeking immediate emotional support can contact the Hope for Wellness Help Line toll-free at 1-855-242-3310, or by online chat at hopeforwellness.ca.

The Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS) offers essential services to residential school survivors, their families, and those dealing with intergenerational trauma. Access support at irsss.ca.